Advice from the Family Dentist – Common Children’s Oral Care Problems

Your baby’s primary teeth are temporary, but they are important to his or her overall dental health and the stability and placement of permanent teeth that will arrive later. Several problems can threaten your baby’s oral health and may require treatment from your pediatric or family dentist.

Baby Bottle Dental Decay

Early cavities develop when your baby’s teeth are constantly exposed to milk, formula, juice, or sugary drinks from a bottle or sippy cup. Bacteria inside your baby’s mouth interact with sugars to cause decay, which may result in pain, difficulty learning to chew, and tooth loss. To prevent baby bottle dental decay, don’t allow your child to sleep with a bottle filled with anything other than water. Don’t dip pacifiers in sugar, honey, or syrup. After every feeding, wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean, wet cloth to remove bacteria and food residue. See your pediatric or family dentist if you spot early signs of decay.

Thumb Sucking

Infants commonly suck their thumbs, fingers, and toys; this is a normal behavior. However, if it persists after the age of five, it can cause alignment problems in permanent teeth as they begin to erupt. If thumb sucking doesn’t respond to your efforts to discourage it, ask your kids dentist about dental appliances that prevent the behavior.

Primary Tooth Loss

When tooth decay, injury, or inadequate jaw space result in the early loss of primary teeth, your child may have difficulty chewing or speaking properly. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, so losing them prematurely can result in crooked, crowded, or shifting permanent teeth. If your child loses a baby tooth too soon, your family dentist can insert a space maintainer; this is a metal or plastic device that holds the space open until the permanent replacement tooth is ready to erupt.

Find a Pediatric Dentist in Clearwater Kids Trust

Finding the right kids dentist to care for your little one is important. A negative first experience can set the stage for dental anxiety throughout life. To find a pediatric dentist in Clearwater whom children love, look for clinics with kid-friendly decor, compassionate staff members, and great reviews from local parents. You can also consult your family dentist for a pediatric referral when kids dentist is needed.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Clearwater, call Advanced Dental Care of Clearwater today at (727) 286-3945 or make an appointment.

Advanced Dental Care offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Clearwater. With 21 affiliated practices throughout Florida, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Advanced Dental Care of Clearwater, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Advanced Dental Care of Clearwater.

We accept most insurance plans and will be happy to help you understand the coverage that you have. We will do our best to see that you receive your maximum insurance benefits for all covered services.

The above-listed practice complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Notice of Nondiscrimination.